Summary
A man named Brian Cole Jr. confessed to planting pipe bombs near political party headquarters in Washington, DC, the night before the 6 January 2021 Capitol riot. He told agents he acted alone and denied any connection to the riot's motive. Cole has been charged but has not entered a plea.
Key Facts
- Brian Cole Jr., 30, admitted to placing two pipe bombs in Washington, DC.
- The bombs were found near the Republican and Democratic party headquarters.
- Cole stated his actions were not connected to Congress certifying the 2020 election results.
- He was arrested on December 4 after a five-year investigation.
- Cole reportedly got the idea from historical events, specifically The Troubles in Ireland.
- He learned bomb-making from YouTube and video games but did not test the devices before planting them.
- Prosecutors found evidence, including bomb materials bought with Cole's credit card and items found in his home.
- Cole allegedly erased data from his cellphone many times since the planned attack.
